Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Domaine Fichet 2023

Pinot Noir from the Mâconnais isn't trying to be like the Côte d'Or - it's lighter, fruitier with an easy appeal, which is very much the point of Burgundies from these parts. Less brooding complexity, more a straightforward pleasure. And here is one that does exactly what it should: bright red cherries and strawberries, a touch of savouriness for balance, and oak so restrained it merely adds a background hint. The Fichet brothers have steadily become one of the region's go-to names for Pinot Noir, which is a pretty decent achievement - and this shows you why that is.

Works well with charcuterie, roast chicken or a simple pasta - and worth serving just below cellar temperature to let the fruit do its thing.

Typical of a well-run, smallish Mâconnais estate, Domaine Fichet is based in Igé and has been bottling under its own label since 1976, when Francis Fichet left the village cooperative to go it alone. His sons Pierre-Yves and Olivier joined him in 1988 and 1990 respectively, and today run a 30-hectare estate that's now considered one of the most impressive in the Mâconnais. Chardonnay is the focus, as you'd expect, but their Pinot Noirs are well worth attention too.